Were you involved in a car accident in Fort Worth, TX? It’s natural to want to recover money quickly, and many people wonder whether they can handle the process without hiring an attorney. While it’s technically possible to get compensation on your own, doing so may not be in your best interest in many circumstances.
At Anderson Injury Lawyers, we’ve recovered over $100 million for clients throughout Texas. Our Fort Worth car accident lawyers have decades of combined experience negotiating with insurers and work on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if we successfully handle your case.
Call us today at (817) 294-1900 for a free consultation.
How Anderson Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Car Accident Case in Fort Worth, TX
Working with an experienced Fort Worth personal injury attorney significantly increases your chances of success. At Anderson Injury Lawyers, we can handle every aspect of your claim in Fort Worth, Texas, so that you can focus on your health.
Our legal team can:
- Investigate the crash and collect evidence to prove fault
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts
- Handle all of the communication with the insurance companies
- Negotiate aggressively for the highest possible settlement
- Protect you from accusations of shared fault
- Ensure your claim meets the statute of limitations and other requirements
- Take your case to trial if the insurer won’t offer a fair amount
Unlike large national firms, we treat every client with the attention they deserve. You can learn more about your legal rights and options by contacting our Fort Worth car accident attorneys for a complimentary initial consultation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Fort Worth
For better or worse, the steps you take immediately after the crash are critical. These actions can directly affect how much compensation you can recover.
Start by doing the following:
- Report the accident to the police and request an official crash report. Insurance companies usually require this before paying a claim.
- Seek prompt medical treatment, with or without an obvious ailment. Some injuries take time to appear, and medical records are key evidence.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including license, insurance, and contact details.
- Do not apologize or accept blame for the collision.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, but don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything before you understand your rights.
- Keep all the documentation and records related to the accident. These will be crucial when calculating your damages later.
It’s important to remember that the insurance companies involved in your case (both yours and the other driver’s) do not have your best interests in mind. They want to protect their profits rather than accept liability.
How to File an Insurance Claim Without a Lawyer
Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the crash is liable for damages. Typically, you’ll start by filing a claim with their insurance provider.
When you file, be prepared to provide:
- A copy of the police report
- Medical documentation of your injuries
- Evidence of your lost wages
- Notes and records about your pain and suffering
- Repair estimates for your vehicle
You should be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. As noted above, their primary goal is to save the company money, not to assist you. It’s especially important not to agree to a quick settlement. Once an offer is accepted, the right to pursue further compensation is typically waived.
If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, you may need to file a lawsuit in Tarrant County civil court. While this is also something you can do on your own, it is not recommended.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Fort Worth, TX?
You may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages under Texas law.
Economic damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages are harder to prove but may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Punitive damages may also be available, but typically only in rare cases that proceed to trial and involve egregious misconduct.
Contact Our Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You may be able to get money after a car accident without a lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, but remember that the insurance companies will do everything they can to reduce your payout. Working with an experienced attorney can often lead to far greater compensation than you could recover on your own.
Reach out to Anderson Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. Our Fort Worth car accident attorneys can provide you with some initial legal advice at that time without any obligations.